Water conditioning systems having diversion devices

ABSTRACT

A portable water conditioning system is provided that includes an incoming water inlet; a reverse osmosis stage in fluid communication with the incoming water inlet, the reverse osmosis stage having a permeate outlet and a concentrate outlet; a diversion device having a diversion valve, the diversion valve placing the concentrate outlet in fluid communication with a waste water outlet; a deionizing stage in fluid communication with a pure water outlet; a bypass valve configured to selectively place the permeate outlet in fluid communication with one or more of the waste water outlet, the deionizing stage, and the pure water outlet; and a controller configured to control the diversion device and the bypass valve to provide water at the pure water outlet of a desired condition.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of the legally relatedU.S. Ser. No. 15/350,919, filed Nov. 14, 2016, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Application Ser. No.15/350,919, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/254,448, filed on Nov. 12, 2015; U.S. Provisional Application No.62/342,403, filed on May 27, 2016; U.S. Provisional Application No.62/342,373, filed on May 27, 2016; and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/342,380, filed on May 27, 2016. The entire contents of theprovisional application are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is related to water conditioning systems. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure is related to portable waterconditioning systems having diversion devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Water conditioners that condition incoming tap water for use in one ormore tasks are known. The conditioned water can be used for variouscleaning tasks such as, but not limited to cleaning of exterior windows,cleaning of vehicles, cleaning of solar panels/arrays, building,awnings, stone, and others.

As used herein, the term “conditioned water” shall mean water that hasbeen filtered, (distilled), deionized, demineralized (e.g., via reverseosmosis), softened, anti-scaled, exposed to any other water treatmentprocess—including the addition of one or more additives or components,and any combinations thereof. Thus, water conditioners can provide theconditioned water using different types of conditioning or filteringmedia.

It is known to assemble multiple water conditioners, which utilizedifferent conditioning or filtering media, into water conditioningsystems to provide the desired conditioned water. For example, someprior art water conditioning systems pass the incoming water through apre-filter, in the form of a barrier filter or a reverse osmosis filterprior to passing the pre-filtered water through a deionizing resinfilter.

It has been determined by the present disclosure that water conditioningsystems are becoming increasingly complex with multiple conditioners andmultiple types of conditioning media. Thus, it has been determined thatsuch water conditioning systems require diversion devices that controlthe flow of water to optimize utilization of the conditioning media inthe different conditioners.

SUMMARY

Water conditioning systems that make use deionizing (DI) resin toprovide conditioned water have been found by the present disclosure tobe very effective at providing conditioned water. However, the DI resinused to condition the water is consumed during the process and requireseither replacement or recharging, which can increase the cost when usingsuch systems.

Similarly, water conditioning systems that make use of reverse osmosis(RO) filters to provide conditioned water have also been found by thepresent disclosure to be very effective at providing conditioned water.However, the RO filters divide the incoming water into permeate (e.g.,conditioned water) and concentrate (e.g., waste water), which canincrease the amount of water required and increase the consumption ofthe DI resin at start-up when using such systems. In addition, the ROfilters can have a reduced life due to scaling and/or fouling of the ROmembrane when there is limited flow through the membrane and/or they arenot flushed properly between uses.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides water conditioning systemsthat have both DI conditioners and RO conditioners combined into asingle easy to use system. The systems of the present disclosureadvantageously include diversion devices that, in some embodiments,reduce the utilization of DI resin and extend the life of the ROconditioners by flushing the membrane after use. In addition, thesystems of the present disclosure advantageously have pressure diversiondevices that allow the operator to easily balance the flow of permeateand concentrate.

Additionally, the systems of the present disclosure provide, in otherembodiments, diversion devices that include an automated startup stateand/or automated shutdown state to optimize performance and/or minimizecosts.

A portable water conditioning system is provided that includes anincoming water inlet; a reverse osmosis stage in fluid communicationwith the incoming water inlet, the reverse osmosis stage having apermeate outlet and a concentrate outlet; a diversion device having adiversion valve, the diversion valve placing the concentrate outlet influid communication with a waste water outlet; a deionizing stage influid communication with a pure water outlet; a bypass valve configuredto selectively place the permeate outlet in fluid communication with oneor more of the waste water outlet, the deionizing stage, and the purewater outlet; and a controller configured to control the diversiondevice and the bypass valve to provide water at the pure water outlet ofa desired condition.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system further includesa pump having a pump inlet in fluid communication with the incomingwater inlet and a pump outlet, the reverse osmosis stage being in fluidcommunication with the incoming water inlet via the pump outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the diversion device furtherincludes a recirculation line that places the concentrate outlet influid communication with the pump inlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system further includesa backpressure regulator controlling a pressure within a concentratestream in the recirculation line to divert a portion of the concentratestream back to the pump inlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the backpressure regulatorincludes an adjustable pressure regulator having a variable flow plug, abiasing spring, and a pressure adjustment cap.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the backpressure regulatoris in communication with the controller and being controlled by the.

A portable water conditioning system is also provided that includes anincoming water inlet; a reverse osmosis stage in fluid communicationwith the incoming water inlet, the reverse osmosis stage having apermeate outlet and a concentrate outlet; a deionizing stage in fluidcommunication with a pure water outlet; a bypass valve configured toselectively place the permeate outlet in fluid communication with one ormore of a waste water outlet, the deionizing stage, and the pure wateroutlet; and a controller configured to control the bypass valve toprovide water at the pure water outlet of a desired condition.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system includes apre-filter stage placing the incoming water inlet in fluid communicationwith the reverse osmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the pre-filter can be aparticle filter and/or a chlorine filter.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a pump having a pump inlet in fluid communication with theincoming water inlet and a pump outlet, the reverse osmosis stage beingin fluid communication with the incoming water inlet via the pumpoutlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a diversion device having a recirculation line and a diversionvalve, the recirculation line placing the concentrate outlet in fluidcommunication with the pump inlet, the diversion valve placing theconcentrate outlet in fluid communication with the waste water outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller is configuredto control the pump, the diversion device, and the bypass valve toprovide water at the pure water outlet of the desired condition.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a pre-filter stage placing the incoming water inlet in fluidcommunication with the pump inlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the pumpoutlet and the waste water outlet and in parallel with the reverseosmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the pressure relief valve isconfigured to relieve pressure induced by the pump over a desiredpressure to the waste water outlet without passing through the reverseosmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the pressure relief valve isin communication with the controller, the controller being configured tocontrol the pressure relieve valve.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller can controlthe diversion device to adjust flow through the reverse osmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the diversion device canfurther include a concentrate flow control valve in communication withthe controller, the controller controlling the concentrate flow controlvalve to ensure a minimum flow through the reverse osmosis stage duringa start-up process to reduce scaling and fouling of the reverse osmosisstage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the concentrate flow controlvalve is controlled to provide a constant back pressure on the reverseosmosis stage necessary to perform an RO performance calculation underconstant conditions.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system can furtherinclude a diversion device having a diversion valve, the diversion valveplacing the concentrate outlet in fluid communication with the wastewater outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the diversion device ismanually operable to balance a flow of permeate and concentrate from thereverse osmosis stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller has anautomated startup state selectable by the diversion device.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller, when in theautomated startup state, controls the bypass valve and the pump todischarge water on a permeate side of reverse osmosis stage to the wastewater outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller operates inthe automated startup state for a predetermined period of time.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller operates inthe automated startup state until a sensor in communication with thecontroller measures water quality at the permeate outlet of apredetermined state.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller, aftercompletion of the automated startup state, controls the bypass valve toplace the permeate outlet in fluid communication with the deionizationstage or the pure water outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller activates theautomated startup state based on a system downtime timer.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller activates theautomated startup state based on an input from a sensor in communicationwith the controller that measure water quality at the permeate outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller has anautomated shutdown state selectable by the diversion device.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller, when in theautomated shutdown state, maximizes flow from the reverse osmosis stagethrough a permeate stream and minimizes flow through a concentratestream.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller, when in theautomated shutdown state, controls the pump to a desired water flowrate, control the bypass valve to place the permeate outlet in fluidcommunication with the waste water outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller operates inthe automated shutdown state for a predetermined period of time.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller operates inthe automated shutdown state until a sensor in communication with thecontroller measures water quality at the permeate outlet of apredetermined state.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller activates theautomated shutdown state based on a system runtime timer.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller activates theautomated shutdown state based on an input from a sensor incommunication with the controller that measure water quality at thepermeate outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller furtherincludes a temporary hold state, wherein the controller, when in thetemporary hold state, controls the bypass valve to place the permeateoutlet in fluid communication with the waste water outlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller controls thebypass valve to place the permeate outlet in fluid communication withthe pure water outlet so that water exiting the pure water outletbypasses the deionizing stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller controls thebypass valve to place the permeate outlet in fluid communication withthe deionizing stage so that water exiting the pure water outlet isconditioned by the deionizing stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the controller controls thebypass valve to place the permeate outlet in fluid communication withthe waste water outlet so that water exiting the waste water outletbypasses the deionizing stage.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the system further includesa backpressure regulator controlling a pressure within a concentratestream in the recirculation line to divert a portion of the concentratestream back to the pump inlet.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the backpressure regulatorincludes an adjustable pressure regulator having a variable flow plug, abiasing spring, and a pressure adjustment cap.

In some embodiments either alone or in combination with one or more ofthe afore and/or aft mentioned embodiments, the backpressure regulatoris in communication with the controller so that the controller controlsthe backpressure regulator.

The above-described and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in theart from the following detailed description, drawings, and appendedclaims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one photograph executedin color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a waterconditioning system according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are top perspective views of the water conditioning systemof FIG. 1 having various elements omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the water conditioning system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a process and instrument diagram (PNID) of the waterconditioning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow through the water conditioning system of FIG.1 when the diversion device is in a startup state;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow through the water conditioning system of FIG.1 when the diversion device is in a shutdown state;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow through the water conditioning system of FIG.1 when the diversion device is in an operation or run state;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow through a backpressure regulator valve whenthe diversion device is in the operation or run state;

FIG. 9a is a sectional view of the backpressure regulator valve of FIG.9; and

FIG. 10 is an alternate exemplary embodiment of a process and instrumentdiagram (PNID) of a water conditioning system according to the presentdisclosure, which omits the pump and backpressure regulator of thesystem of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplaryembodiment of a water conditioning system according to the presentdisclosure is shown and is referred to as reference numeral 10. System10 includes a plurality of water conditioners 12 in fluid communicationwith a diversion device 14.

Advantageously, diversion device 14 is configured to allow the operatorto optimize the utilization of the filter media in conditioners 12and/or minimize the use of the water conditioned by the conditioner.

As discussed above, “conditioned water” means water that has beenfiltered, deionized, demineralized, softened, exposed any other watertreatment process—including the addition of one or more additives orcomponents, and any combinations thereof. Thus, conditioners 12 caninclude any conditioning and/or filtering media such as, but not limitedto, a particle filter, a chlorine filter (i.e., activated carbon), anion remover (e.g., deionization resin and/or reverse osmosis membrane),a UV sterilizer, and any combinations thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, conditioners 12 include one or morepre-filters 18 (one shown), one or more RO filters 20 (two shown), andone or more DI filters 22 (one shown). Of course, it is contemplated bythe present disclosure for conditions 12 to include a particle filter, achlorine filter (i.e., activated carbon), an ion remover (e.g.,deionization resin and/or reverse osmosis membrane), a UV sterilizer,and any combinations thereof. When disclosing “particle filtration”, itis contemplated by the present disclosure for conditioner 12 to besufficient for any desired filtration level such as, but not limited to,nano-filtration, ultra-filtration, micro-filtration, and others.

By way of example, DI filters 22 can be a device as shown and describedin Applicant's own U.S. application Ser. No. 14/684,071 filed on Apr.10, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated in their entiretyherein. Conditioner 12 can also include the system as shown anddescribed in Applicant's own U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/160,832 filedon May 13, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated in theirentirety herein.

System 10 includes a tap water inlet 24, a pure water outlet 26, and oneor more waste water outlets 28 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 9) the fluidcommunication of which are described in more detail below.

System 10 includes, in some embodiments, a frame 30 retaining amotorized pump 32, conditioners 12, diversion device 14, and controller16 in a single, easy to use mobile unit. Of course, it is contemplatedby the present disclosure for the various components of system 10 to beunitary or separate as desired e.g., pump 32 can be separate from theframe 30.

The direction of flow through system 10 and the operation of diversiondevice 14, as well as the inputs into controller 16, are described withreference to FIG. 5, as well as FIGS. 1-4.

Water is input into system 10 at inlet 24. In some embodiments, system10 includes a first sensor 34 to determine a state of the incoming waterat or proximate inlet 24. For example, first sensor 34 can be a sensorconfigured to measure total dissolved solids (TDS), water temperature,water pressure, water temperature, pH, chlorine, flow, and othersparameters. First sensor 34 is in wired and/or wireless communicationwith controller 16 so that the controller has access to the measurementsdetected by the first sensor.

The incoming water is then conditioned by a pre-filter 18 to at leastpartially condition the water. System 10 can, in some embodiments,include a second sensor 36 to determine a state of the water exitingpre-filter 18 such as, but not limited to a flow rate prior to pump 32the incoming flow rate and/or minimum flow prior to turning on the pump.For example, second sensor 36 can be a sensor configured to measuretotal dissolved solids (TDS), water temperature, water pressure, watertemperature, pH, chlorine, flow, and others parameters. Second sensor 36is in wired and/or wireless communication with controller 16 so that thecontroller has access to the measurements detected by the second sensor.

System 10 can further include a pressure relief valve 38 that relievespressure in the event a desired maximum pressure is exceed. Valve 38 canbe a mechanical pressure relief valve, a pressure relief rupture disk,an electronic pressure relief valve, any other relief device, orcombinations thereof. Valve 38 can, in some embodiments, be in wiredand/or wireless communication with controller 16 so that the valve canbe activated by controller as needed. Preferably and as illustrated,valve 38 is illustrated as being in the flow of water after pump 32 andin parallel with RO filters 20. In this manner, pressure induced insystem 10 by pump 32 over a desired pressure can be relieved to outlet28, without passing through the RO filters. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for valve 38 have any desiredposition within system 10 and/or for the system to have multiplepressure relief valves.

Pump 32 can be in wired and/or wireless communication with controller 16so that the controller controls one or more parameters of the pump. Forexample, controller 16 can control a speed of pump 32, a pressureinduced by the pump, a flow rate induced by the pump, turn the pump onor off, and any other desired control functions. Pump 32 can be anydesired pumping device such as, but not limited to, positivedisplacement pump, a diaphragm pump, a booster pump, a multistage pump,and others.

System 10 can, in some embodiments, include a third sensor 40 todetermine a state of the water entering RO filters 20, preferably in therecirculation loop. For example, third sensor 40 can be a sensorconfigured to measure total dissolved solids (TDS), water temperature,water pressure, water temperature, pH, chlorine, flow, and othersparameters. Third sensor 40 is in wired and/or wireless communicationwith controller 16 so that the controller has access to the measurementsdetected by the third sensor.

System 10 is illustrated having two RO filters 20 connected in parallelto one another. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosurefor filters 20, or any of conditioners 12 to be connected in seriesand/or parallel to one another.

Water passing through RO filters 20 is conditioned by the RO filters,which separates the water into a waste or concentrate stream 42 and aconditioned or permeate stream 44.

Beginning with the flow of permeate stream 44, system 10 can include asixth sensor 46 to determine a final state of the permeate stream. Forexample, sensor 46 can be a sensor configured to measure total dissolvedsolids (TDS), water temperature, water pressure, water temperature, pH,chlorine, flow, and others parameters. Sensor 46 is in wired and/orwireless communication with controller 16 so that the controller hasaccess to the measurements detected by the sensor.

System 10 further includes a bypass valve 48 that is in wired and/orwired communication with controller 16 so that the controller canoperate the valve between a first position 50 that places the permeatestream in fluid communication with DI filter 22 or a second position 52that places the permeate stream in fluid communication with waste wateroutlet 28.

In some embodiments, valve 48 can further be controlled by controller 16to operate to a third position 54 that places the permeate stream influid communication with pure water outlet 26—such as may occur when theperformance of RO filters 20 provide the permeate stream with sufficientwater quality as determined by sensor 46.

In instances where valve 48 is controlled to place the permeate streamin fluid communication with DI filter 22, the permeate stream is furtherconditioned by the DI filter.

System 10 can include a sensor 56 to determine a state of theconditioned stream after DI filter 22 and before the conditioned waterexits the system at outlet 26. For example, sensor 56 can be a sensorconfigured to measure total dissolved solids (TDS), water temperature,water pressure, water temperature, pH, chlorine, flow, and othersparameters. Sensor 56 is in wired and/or wireless communication withcontroller 16 so that the controller has access to the measurementsdetected by the sensor.

Returning now to the flow of concentrate stream 42, system 10 caninclude a sensor 58 to determine a state of the concentrate streamand/or permeate stream. For example, sensor 58 can be a sensorconfigured to measure total dissolved solids (TDS), water temperature,water pressure, water temperature, pH, chlorine, flow rate, and othersparameters. Sensor 58 is in wired and/or wireless communication withcontroller 16 so that the controller has access to the measurementsdetected by the sensor.

System 10 further includes diversion device 14. Diversion device 14,preferably, includes a valve 60, a start position sensor or switch 62,and a stop position sensor or switch 64. Sensors 62, 64 are in wiredand/or wireless communication with controller. Valve 60 and/or sensor 62are positioned and configured to allow the sensor 62 to detect when thevalve 60 is in a “start position” such as when the valve is in contactor otherwise sensed by sensor 62. Similarly, valve 60 and/or sensor 64are positioned and configured to allow the sensor 64 to detect when thevalve 60 is in a “stop position” such as when the valve is in contact orotherwise sensed by sensor 64.

Valve 60, when in the start position, is closed or mostly closed tominimize the flow through concentrate stream 42 and maximize the flowthrough permeate stream 44. Conversely, valve 60, when in stop position,is open or mostly opened to maximize the flow through concentrate stream42 and minimize the flow through permeate stream 44.

System 10 is configured to operate in a startup mode when diversiondevice 14 is moved to the start position as shown in FIG. 6, uponcontroller 16 detecting from sensor 62 that valve 60 is in the startposition. During startup mode, valve 60 is closed or mostly closed andvalve 48 is moved to second position 52 and pump 32 is turned on—ifthere is enough flow of water detected by sensor 36—by controller 16 sothat any high TDS water that has collected on the permeate side of themembrane in RO filter 20 is discharged through outlet 28. In thismanner, system 10 provides the startup mode, which is believed totransfer water having high TDS from RO filters 20 to outlet 28 and,thus, preventing high TDS water at startup from prematurely depletingthe resin in DI filter 22.

For example, system 10 can be configured to, upon controller 16detecting from sensor 62 that valve 60 is in the start position, controlthe controller to turn on pump 32 and move valve 48 to second position52, sending permeate stream 44 to waste for a predetermined period oftime. System 10 operates in the startup mode for a predetermined periodof time that is, preferably, a period of time sufficient to transfer thehigh TDS water that is within RO filters 20 to waste outlet 28. Thepredetermined period of time may be a set period or may be determined bycontroller based on inputs from one or more of sensors 34, 36, 40, 46,56, and 58.

After the predetermined period of time, controller 16 controls valve 48to move the valve to first position 50 so that that the permeate stream44 is fluidly communicated to DI filter 22, providing conditioned waterfrom the DI filter to water outlet 26.

In embodiments where valve 48 includes third position 54, controller 16can be further configured to control valve 48—after completion of thepredetermined period of time or may be determined by controller based oninputs from one or more of sensors 34, 36, 40, 46, 56, and 58—to move tothe valve to third position 54 so that permeate stream 44 is in fluidcommunication with pure water outlet 26 without passing through DIfilter 22—as may occur when the performance of RO filters 20 provide thepermeate stream with sufficient water quality as determined by sensor46, providing conditioned water from the RO filters to water outlet 26.

It should be recognized that, in this embodiment, valve 48 is disclosedby way of example as having three positions. Of course, it iscontemplated by the present disclosure for valve 48 to be a combinationof different multiple 2-way valves to accomplish the same function.

Valve 60 can be adjusted by the user and/or by controller 16, dependenton a rotational position of the valve between the start and stoppositions, to adjust the flow through concentrate stream 42 and permeatestream 44 as desired.

In some embodiments, system 10 can include a timer in controller 16 thatonly activates the aforementioned startup mode when the controllerdetects that the system has been off for more than a predeterminedperiod of time. Here, the predetermined period of time within whichcontaminates within RO filter 20 pass from the concentrate side of themembrane to the permeate side. In some embodiments, system 10 isconfigured to use signals from sensor 46 or one or more other sensors todetermine whether to begin the startup mode.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated by the present disclosure forcontroller 16 to move valve 48 to second position 52 during start upwhen sensor 46 detect TDS level above a predetermined level and keepvalve 48 in the second position until the TDS levels at sensor 46 dropsbelow an acceptable predetermined level, at which time controller 16 canmove valve 48 to first position 50 to place permeate stream 44 in fluidcommunication with DI filter 22 or can move valve 48 to third position54 to place permeate stream 44 in fluid communication with outlet 26.

Controller 16 uses the input from sensors 40, 46 positioned before andafter RO filters 20 to determine an efficiency of the RO stage—which iscommonly referred to as the “percent rejection”. The percent rejectionis a determination of the percent of dissolved solids that are rejectedby the membrane present in RO filters 20. The dissolved solids that arerejected remain in the concentrate flow (i.e., a flow of concentrateddissolved solids), while any dissolved solids that are not rejected passthrough the membrane to the permeate flow.

In one example, controller 16—after completion of startup mode—performsa simple compare of the inputs from sensors 40, 46 to determine thepercent rejection. Advantageously and without wishing to be bound by anyparticular theory, system 10 is configured—via the startup mode—tocompensate for variables that are believed to affect the accuracy of thepercent rejection calculation.

For example, controller 16—during startup mode—allows water to flowthrough RO filters 20 so as to achieve a steady state operation of thefilters by purging any high TDS water that may have settled in thefilters, as well as to achieve a constant temperature within the system10. Moreover, controller 16—during startup mode—controls bypass valve 48to place permeate flow 44 in fluid communication with waste water outlet28—which is believed to reduce or minimize the effects of back pressureinduced within system 10 by DI filter 22 and/or any cleaning devices influid communication with outlet 26. Finally during startup mode, system10 ensures that diversion device 14 is in a known or predetermined stateto provide a known pressure to RO filters 20. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5, diversion device 14 commences the startup modewhen valve 60 is detected at the start position by sensor or switch 62(i.e., closed), valve 66, when present, ensures a minimum flow throughRO filters 20, and backpressure regulator 68 ensures that pressure inthe diversion device is maintained within a predetermined range. In thismanner, system 10 ensures that the percent rejection is determined withsystem 10 is at a known or substantially known condition, which has beenfound by the present disclosure to improve the accuracy andrepeatability of the percent rejection calculation.

Thus, in some embodiments system 10 is configured to determine thepercent rejection after controller 16 has completed the startup mode soas to improve the accuracy and repeatability of the percent rejectioncalculation.

Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for system 10 todetermine the percent rejection at any desired time and/or to determinewhen to measure the total dissolved solids and calculate the percentrejection based on the input from one or more sensors in the systemand/or control of one or more portions by controller 16. Without wishingto be bound by any particular theory, the variables believed to affectthe accuracy and repeatability of the percent reduction include, but arenot limited to, the state of diversion device 14 (e.g., valve 60, flowcontrol 66, and backpressure regulator 68), the state of bypass valve48, and whether any stagnant water within RO filter 20 has been purgedsufficiently to provide a steady state of the water (e.g., TDS level,temperature, etc.) flowing through the filter. Thus, it is contemplatedby the present disclosure for the percent rejection to be determined atany time when these conditions are controlled to minimize inaccuracy inthe determination.

Once the startup mode is completed, system 10 can be considered to beoperating in a normal or operational mode.

System 10 is also configured—via controller 16—to operate in a shutdownmode when diversion device 14 is moved to the stop position as shown inFIG. 7 as detected by sensor 64. As discussed above, diversion device14—when valve 60 is in the stop position maximizes flow of concentratestream 42 and minimizes flow through permeate stream 44 by reducing thebackpressure on the concentrate line by opening of valve 60.

During the shutdown mode, system 10 is configured to flush water,preferably at about 3 gallons per minute, through each RO filter 20 tooutlet 28, which is believed to remove scale and particulate matter fromthe RO filters, thus extending the life of the membranes in the ROfilters.

For example, system 10 can be configured to, upon controller 16detecting from sensor 64 that valve 60 is in the stop position—which isan open position with full flow to waste water outlet 28, control thecontroller to ensure pump 32 is on—if there is enough flow of waterdetected by sensor 36—and move valve 48 to a closed position, reducingflow of permeate stream 44 and increasing flow of concentrate stream 42.The predetermined period of time is, preferably, a period of timesufficient to flush a desired amount of scale or debris that is withinRO filters 20 to waste outlet 28. The predetermined period of time maybe a set period or may be determined by controller based on inputs fromone or more of sensors 34, 36, 40, 46, 56, and 58. After thepredetermined period of time, controller 16 turns pump 32 off.

In other embodiments, system 10 can include a timer in controller 16that only activates the aforementioned shutdown mode when the controllerdetects that the system has been on for more than a predetermined periodof time. Here, the predetermined period of time within whichcontaminates build within RO filter 20 beyond a threshold. In someembodiments, system 10 is configured to use signals from sensor 46 orone or more other sensors to determine whether to begin shutdown mode.

In still other embodiments, system 10 can be configured to, uponcontroller 16 detecting that water outlet 26 is closed or at leastpartially closed, control the controller to leave/turn on pump 32 andmove valve 48 to second position 52, sending permeate stream 44 towaste. Here, system 10 can be considered to be operating in a temporaryhold mode, where the operator may cease use of the systemtemporarily—preventing excessive pressure in the system and improvingmembrane health. It is contemplated by the present disclosure for outlet26 to be closed by—for example—a manual or automatic valve (not shown)at the outlet or a valve in communication with the outlet such as on acleaning implement. In some embodiments, system 10 is configured to usesignals from a sensor on the valve (not shown) to determine whether tobegin and/or end temporary hold mode. In other embodiments, system 10 isconfigured to use signals from one or more other sensors such aspressure or flow sensors at outlet 26 or elsewhere in the system todetermine whether to begin and/or end temporary hold mode.

In still other embodiments, system 10 can be configured to, uponcontroller 16 detecting that water outlet 26 is closed or partiallyclosed, control the controller to leave/turn on pump 32 and controlpressure relief valve 38 so that pressure induced in system 10 by thepump can be relieved to outlet 28, without passing through RO filters20.

In still other embodiments, system 10 can further include a timer incontroller 16 that shuts down the system if the controller detects thatthe system has been operating in temporary mode for longer than apredetermined period of time.

It is contemplated by the present disclosure for diversion device 14 tofurther include a concentrate flow control valve 66, which preferably isset to a predetermined level. Of course, it is contemplated by thepresent disclosure for valve 66 to be user adjustable and/or adjustablevia controller 16. Valve 66, when present, ensures a minimum flowthrough RO filters 20 when valve 60 is closed (i.e., in the start-upposition) to reduce scaling and fouling. Valve 66 is preferably set toallow flow of concentrate stream 42 regardless of the position of valve60, which is believed to provide a constant backpressure on RO filters20—which allows controller 16 to perform an RO performance calculationunder constant conditions.

In some embodiments, system 10 can include a backpressure regulator 68that fluidly communicates concentrate stream 42 to pump inlet 70 asshown in FIGS. 9 and 9 a. When the pressure within concentrate stream 42exceeds a predetermined backpressure, backpressure regulator 68 opens todivert a portion of the concentrate stream flow back to inlet 70 so thatas pressure increases in the concentrate stream, the flow throughregulator 68 increases.

Preferably, backpressure regulator 68 is an adjustable pressureregulator having a variable flow plug (A), a biasing spring (B), and apressure adjustment cap (C). Of course, it is contemplated by thepresent disclosure for regulator 68 to be an electronic regulator thatis in wired or wireless communication with controller 16 so that thecontroller can control the regulator based on inputs from one or more ofsensors 34, 36, 40, 46, and 58. In some embodiments, biasing spring (B)is a variable force spring (B) that compresses at a variable rate toallow an increase in flow to pump inlet 70.

Accordingly, system 10 is advantageously controlled and monitored bycontroller 16 and operated by the user via diversion device 14 toselectively pass incoming water through one or more of conditioners 12to provide conditioned water of desired quality.

It should be recognized that system 10 is described herein by way ofexample only. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosurefor system 10 to include any number of different conditioners that arefluidly connectable to one another in series, in parallel, and anycombinations thereof. Further, it is contemplated for controller 16 todetect one or more operational attributes of the pump 32 such as, butnot limited to, current, voltage, temperature, speed, pressure, andothers—and adjust the operation of system 10 based on these attributes.

It is also contemplated by the present disclosure for system 10 tooperate without the assistance of pump 32—namely under only the effectof incoming water pressure or any combinations thereof. FIG. 10 is analternate exemplary embodiment of a process and instrument diagram(PNID) of a water conditioning system 110 according to the presentdisclosure, which omits pump 32 of system 10. In addition, system 110 isillustrated lacking various components of system 10 associated with pump32 such as, but not limited to, backpressure regulator 68.

System 110 is illustrated in FIG. 10 having component parts performingsimilar or analogous functions to those of system 10 labeled inmultiples of one hundred.

System 110 includes tap water inlet 124, pure water outlet 126, andwaste water outlet 128. Water is input into system 110 at inlet 124.

The incoming water is then conditioned by a pre-filter 118 to at leastpartially condition the water. System 110 can, in some embodiments,include a sensor 136 to determine a state of the water exitingpre-filter 118, where the second sensor 136 is in wired and/or wirelesscommunication with controller 116.

System 110 can, in some embodiments, include a sensor 140 to determine astate of the water entering RO filters 120, where the sensor 140 is inwired and/or wireless communication with controller 116.

Water passing through RO filters 120 is conditioned by the RO filters,which separates the water into a waste or concentrate stream 142 and aconditioned or permeate stream 144.

System 110 can include sensors 146, 158 to determine a state of permeatestream 144, where the sensors 146, 158 are in wired and/or wirelesscommunication with controller 116.

System 110 further includes bypass valve 148 that is in wired and/orwired communication with controller 116 so that the controller canoperate the valve between a first position 150 that places the permeatestream in fluid communication with DI filter 122 or a second position152 that places the permeate stream in fluid communication with wastewater outlet 128.

In some embodiments, valve 148 can further be controlled by controller116 to operate to a third position 154 that places the permeate streamin fluid communication with pure water outlet 126—such as may occur whenthe performance of RO filters 120 provide the permeate stream withsufficient water quality as determined by sensor 146.

In instances where valve 148 is controlled to place the permeate streamin fluid communication with DI filter 122, the permeate stream isfurther conditioned by the DI filter.

System 110 can include a sensor 156 to determine a state of theconditioned stream after DI filter 120 and before the conditioned waterexits the system at outlet 126, where sensor 156 is in wired and/orwireless communication with controller 116.

Returning now to the flow of concentrate stream 142, system 110 includesdiversion device 114. Diversion device 114, preferably, includes arotating valve 160, a start position sensor/switch 162, and a stopposition sensor/switch 164. Sensors/switch 162, 164 are in wired and/orwireless communication with controller 116. Valve 160 and/or sensor 162are positioned and configured to allow the sensor 162 to detect when thevalve 160 is in a “start position” such as when the valve is in contactor otherwise sensed by sensor 162. Similarly, valve 160 and/or sensor164 are positioned and configured to allow the sensor 164 to detect whenthe valve 160 is in a “stop position” such as when the valve is incontact or otherwise sensed by sensor 164.

System 110 is configured—via controller 116—to operate in a startup modewhen diversion device 114 is moved to the start position—valve 160 isclosed. For example, system 110 can be configured to, upon controller116 detecting from sensor 162 that valve 160 is in the start position,control the controller to valve 148 to second position 152, sendingpermeate stream 144 to waste 128 for a predetermined period of time.After the predetermined period of time, controller 116 controls valve148 to move the valve to first position 150 so that that the permeatestream 144 is fluidly communicated to DI filter 122, providingconditioned water from the DI filter to water outlet 126.

It should be recognized that the present disclosure has been describedby way of example only as having systems 10, 110 being placed into thestartup and shutdown modes via movement of valve 60, 160, respectively.Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for systems 10,110 to be configured to enter and leave the various modes by any desiredinput.

In embodiments where valve 148 includes third position 154, controller116 can be further configured to control valve 148—after completion ofthe predetermined period of time—to move to the valve 148 to thirdposition 154 so that permeate stream 144 is in fluid communication withpure water outlet 126 without passing through DI filter 122. It isfurther contemplated, in embodiments where valve 148 has multiplepositions, for controller 16 to automatically move the valve 148 to anydesired position based on one or more sensor input.

System 110 is also configured—via controller 116—to operate in ashutdown mode when diversion device 114 is moved to the stop position.During the shutdown mode, system 110 is configured to flush through ROfilters 120 to outlet 128, which is believed to remove scale andparticulate matter from the RO filters, thus extending the life of thefilter membranes.

It is further contemplated by the present disclosure for controller 116to automatically operate in the shutdown or flush mode based, at leastin part, on a sensor reaching one or more predetermined values such as,but not limited to, too much backpressure across the RO membranes, toolittle flow across the membranes, poor TDS in the permeate flow, flow isreduced to zero for too long, percent rejection, any other desiredcondition.

For example, system 110 can be configured to, upon controller 116detecting from sensor 164 that valve 160 is in the stop position—whichis an open or mostly open position with full flow to waste water outlet128—to move valve 148 to a closed position, reducing flow of permeatestream 144 and increasing flow of concentrate stream 142. Thepredetermined period of time is, preferably, a period of time sufficientto flush a desired amount of scale or debris that is within RO filters120 to waste outlet 128.

It is contemplated by the present disclosure for diversion device 114 tofurther include a concentrate flow control valve 166, which allows theuser to control a flow rate of concentrate flow 142 to outlet 128 whenoperating in a normal or run mode—with valve 160 between the stop andstart positions.

Flow control valve 166 can be an electronic controlled valve, in wiredor wireless electrical communication, with controller 116. Here, valve160 can provide a variable signal to controller 116 dependent on arotational position of the valve between the start and stop positionsproportional to the desired flow rate.

In other embodiments, valve 166 can be a mechanical valve that iscontrolled by the rotational position of valve 160.

Accordingly, system 110 is advantageously controlled and monitored bycontroller 116 and operated by the user via diversion device 114 toselectively pass incoming water through one or more of conditioners 118,120, 122 to provide conditioned water of desired quality.

Accordingly, systems 10, 110 are configured so that the user does notneed to perform any steps besides turning the system on/off andadjusting the flow to the desired level, yet the system automaticallyperforms the startup and shutdown processes to optimize utilization ofDI resin and RO membrane health, as well as indicate the status orhealth of each of the replaceable filter elements.

It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”,“upper”, “lower”, “start”, “stop”, and the like may be used herein tomodify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial,sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unlessspecifically stated.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one ormore exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes may be made and equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapta particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosurewithout departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended thatthe present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s)disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of any claims hereafterpresented.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable water conditioning system, comprising:an incoming water inlet; a reverse osmosis stage in fluid communicationwith the incoming water inlet, the reverse osmosis stage having apermeate outlet and a concentrate outlet; a deionizing stage in fluidcommunication with a pure water outlet; a bypass valve configured toselectively place the permeate outlet in fluid communication with one ormore of a waste water outlet, the deionizing stage, and the pure wateroutlet; and a controller configured to control the bypass valve toselectively control a supply of water to the pure water outlet and thewaste water outlet based on a desired condition, wherein, during astartup mode, the controller is configured to open the bypass valve toincrease a waste water flow to transfer water having high totaldissolved solids to pass through the waste water outlet and, during ashutdown mode, the controller is configured to close the bypass valve toflush the system of waste water and increase a flow waste water throughthe waste water outlet.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising adiversion device that places the concentrate outlet in fluidcommunication with the waste water outlet.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the diversion device further comprises a diversion valve thatselectively places the concentrate outlet in fluid communication with awaste water outlet.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the diversionvalve is in communication with the controller, the controller beingconfigured to detect a position of the diversion valve.
 5. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the diversion valve is in communication with thecontroller, the controller being configured to control a position of thediversion valve.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the diversion devicefurther comprises a flow control valve that ensures a minimum flowaround the diversion valve to the waste water outlet.
 7. The system ofclaim 6, wherein the flow control valve is set to a predetermined levelof flow.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the flow control valve has anadjustable level of flow.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the flowcontrol valve is in communication with the controller, the controllerbeing configured to adjust the level of flow.
 10. The system of claim 6,further comprising a pump having a pump inlet in fluid communicationwith the incoming water inlet and a pump outlet, the reverse osmosisstage being in fluid communication with the incoming water inlet via thepump outlet.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the diversion devicefurther comprises a recirculation line, the recirculation line placingthe concentrate outlet in fluid communication with the pump inlet. 12.The system of claim 11, further comprising a backpressure regulatorcontrolling a pressure within a concentrate stream in the recirculationline to divert a portion of the concentrate stream back to the pumpinlet.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the backpressure regulatorcomprises an adjustable pressure regulator having a variable flow plug,a biasing spring, and a pressure adjustment cap.
 14. The system of claim12, wherein the backpressure regulator is in communication with thecontroller, the controller being configured to control the backpressureregulator.